Holland America tips for first timers
The short answer
Holland America is quieter and more traditional, with smaller ships than the big resort lines, live music and long, port-rich itineraries, and it's a leader in Alaska. Complete online check-in at least 30 days ahead, pack smart casual plus cocktail attire for Dressy Nights, and budget $18 per guest per day for Crew Appreciation.
What a Holland America cruise feels like
Holland America ships are mid-sized and calm, with a focus on music, food and destinations. The crowd tends to be older and quieter, especially on longer voyages. It's a strong choice for Alaska and for travelers who want a relaxed pace.
First-timer tips specific to Holland America
- Complete online check-in at least 30 days before departure, and don't print your boarding pass until seven days out.
- Know the drink package limits. Holland America's packages cap the number of drinks per day.
- Pack cocktail attire for Dressy Nights; smart casual is expected in the dining rooms.
- Budget Crew Appreciation, added daily, and a 20% service charge on drinks and specialty dining.
Holland America suits people who want a gentle week with good music and real time in port.
Holland America's rules, from its own pages
Holland America Line: the rules, from Holland America Line's own pages
- Daily gratuities
US $18.00 per guest per day, or US $20.00 in a suite
Holland America calls it Crew Appreciation and adds it to your onboard account daily.
A 20% service charge is added to drinks, specialty dining covers and bar items; 18% on spa and salon.
Adjustable on board before your account is finalised.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Drink packages
Quench, Signature and Elite packages — all have a daily drink limit
Quench: up to 15 non-alcoholic drinks a day.
Signature: up to 15 drinks a day in total. Zero-proof drinks count toward that limit.
Elite: unlimited zero-proof drinks, plus a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Dress code
Smart casual in the dining rooms, with Dressy Nights
Dining rooms require shirts or cover-ups and footwear indoors. Smart casual attire is appropriate.
Shorts, beachwear, tank tops and distressed jeans are not permitted in table service restaurants.
Pack cocktail attire for Dressy Nights.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
- WiFi
Satellite internet is sold in plans and billed to your onboard account
Available 24 hours a day on every ship, over the wireless network or at workstations near Guest Services.
Plans vary in price and work across both the workstations and your own device.
Holland America warns speed can be affected by weather, ship location and satellite availability.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Bringing alcohol
Wine and champagne only, with a US $20 corkage fee per bottle of 750 ml or less
No other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages may be brought aboard.
Wine or champagne given to you by the line is not charged a corkage fee.
Holland America states the fee is subject to change without notice.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Minimum age
Nobody under 21 may book, and any guest under 21 must share a stateroom with someone 21 or older
For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum in each room is 16, if traveling with a parent or legal guardian.
Where minors travel with only one adult 21 or over, every guest must hold a valid passport.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Check-in
Online check-in should be completed at least 30 days before departure
You submit immigration forms, disembarkation forms and credit card registration.
You need your full legal name, birth date, passport or visa or permanent resident card, home address, home telephone number and emergency contact.
You can stop partway and return later to finish.
Source: Holland America Line, checked September 21, 2026
Packing for Holland America
Smart casual and a cocktail outfit; for Alaska, layers and rain gear. See the Alaska packing list.
First-timer questions
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